SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Geomatics

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
112138	Bachelor of Geomatics
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National First Degree	Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction		Physical Planning, Design and Management
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-09-18	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2033-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The Bachelor of Geomatics aims to meet the generic standard for an Engineering Surveying Technologist. This qualification includes a fundamental commitment to educate learners as Surveying Technologists in the various fields of geomatics (Engineering Surveying, Geospatial Information Systems and Technology or Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry), that it will meet the universal standard for an Engineering Surveying Technologist to solve broadly-defined problems. This qualification will contribute towards the outcomes that will be to develop the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards a competent practising Engineering Surveying Technologist.

The fundamental focus of the qualification is to train Engineering Surveying Technologists that can be functionally applied in various occupations to address the advanced technical workforce needs of the country. The core of the qualification is the integration of theory and practice (practical skills and attributes) spread over three years to ensure a balanced, highly skilled Engineering Surveying technologist to be offered by the institution.

The focus of the qualification will be on Geomatics engineering surveying technologists who can apply their skills set in various occupations to address the advanced technical workforce needed in South Africa. The knowledge emphasises general principles and application or technology transfer. The qualification provides learners with a sound knowledge base in a particular field or discipline and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to specific career or professional contexts while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning.

Specifically, the qualification provides:

Preparation for careers in Geomatics and fields of specialisation which benefit from engineering skills, for achieving technological proficiency and contribute to the economy and national development.

The educational base required for registration as a Professional Engineering Surveying Technologist with SAGC (PLATO).

Rationale:
South Africa is currently experiencing unprecedented economic growth. Therefore, the associated demand for human resources has exacerbated the skills shortage, particularly in the scarce categories like the engineering and related professions. In terms of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) list of scarce skills, published in Government Gazette no 37678 on 23 May 2014, there is a shortage skill in the survey profession. More recently, on the list of the DHET's List of Occupations in High Demand, published in Government Gazette no 39604 on 19 January 2016, the survey related occupations are mentioned. The analysis attributed to the broad set of skills that surveyors possess in response to spatial data collection or manipulation for application in developments that are on the rise in South Africa as the middle-class numbers increase. Given the adaptable skills surveyors have with varied applications in industry, the new terminology to refer to the collection of career areas in the geospatial fraternity is "geomatics."

The rationale for the Bachelor of Geomatics arises from three areas. These are:

Accelerating the provision of priority skills to address the identified shortage as per the DHET.

Promoting greater relevance and responsiveness in the education and training system and strengthen the employability of graduates, and;

Identifying blockages and obstacles within the system of education and training that stand in the way.

The Bachelor of Geomatics meets the minimum standard specified by the South African Geomatics Council as outlined in Act No. 19 of 2013: Geomatics Profession Act, 2013 published in Government Gazette no 37142 on 10 December 2013.

The qualification addresses changing techniques and technology that is defining modern geomatics. It will expose learners to the first principles, which will include the traditional survey techniques, and integrate with its evolution to modern geomatics. This mixture will enable learners to become better-skilled professionals that can easily incorporate into small and large projects.

The process of development of an Engineering Surveying Technologist starts with the attainment of this qualification that meets the relevant South African Geomatics Council (SAGC) standards. The content of this qualification will prepare the learner to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practising engineering surveying technologist who will contribute to the South African economy and development.

For qualifying learners with an appropriate level of achievement, the ability to enter a relevant Bachelor Honours of Geomatics Degree in any of the three elective streams (Engineering Surveying, Geographic Information Science and Technology, or Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry) and then proceed to Master's and Doctorate Degrees.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution s' policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applies and may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. The qualification may be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning processes and accumulation of credits.

Assessment for RPL must be done in compliance with the institutions' policy on assessment and moderation. Assessment for RPL must focus on previously acquired competencies, not on current teaching and learning practices.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor studies.
Or

National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor studies.
Or

Diploma in Geomatics, NQF Level 6.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 385 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5: 133 Credits:

Information Literacy, 1 Credits.

Communication Skills, 6 Credits.

Life Skills, 2 Credits.

Computer Survey Drawing, 12 Credits.

Engineering Mathematics I, 28 Credits.

Physics 10, Credits.

Mechanics, 10 Credits.

Engineering Surveying Fundamentals, 28 Credits.

Geography, 6 Credits.

Geodesy and Map Projection I, 12 Credits.

Geomatics Computer Applications, 19 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6: 126 Credits:

Engineering Mathematics II, 14 Credits.

Cadastral Systems, 12 Credits.

Photogrammetry I, 24 Credits.

Engineering Surveying I, 28 Credits.

Geographic Information Technology I, 24 Credits.

Adjustment Computations and Statistical Analysis, 24 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7: 126 Credits:

Project Management: Surveying, 12 Credits.

Geographic Information Technology II, 12 Credits.

Geodesy and Map Projections II, 18 Credits.

Rural and Urban Planning, 12 Credits.

Engineering Surveying Project, 12 Credits.

Photogrammetry II, 12 Credits.

Remote Sensing I, 24 Credits.

Engineering Surveying II, 24 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply geomatics principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly-defined geomatics problems.
2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, basic science and geomatics sciences to wide practical procedures and practices to solve broadly-defined geomatics problems.
3. Perform procedural design of broadly defined components or processes to meet desired needs within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation. Applying scientific and geomatics knowledge.
4. Conduct investigation of broadly defined problems through locating, searching and selecting relevant data from codes, databases and literature, design and conducting experiments, analysing and interpreting results to provide valid conclusions.
5. Use appropriate established techniques, resources, and modern geomatics tools including information technology for the solution of broadly defined geomatics problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with geomatics sector audiences and the affected parties.
7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of geomatics activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by analysis and evaluation.
8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of surveying management principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member and leader in a technical team.
9. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-defined developed learning skills.
10. Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of technical practice as specified by the South African Geomatics Council.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Analyse and identify the problem and criteria for an acceptable solution.

Identify relevant information and geomatics knowledge and skills for solving the problem.

Generate and formulate possible approaches that would lead to a workable solution for the problem.

Model and analyse potential solutions.

Select and evaluate possible best solutions.

Formulate and present the solution in an appropriate form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Use an appropriate mix of knowledge of Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Statistics, Natural Science and; Geomatics at a fundamental level and in a specialist area to solve broadly-defined geomatics problems in the engineering, built and natural environments.

Use theories, principles and laws.

Perform formal analysis and modelling using geomatics materials, components, systems or processes.

Communicate concepts, ideas and theories.

Perform reasoning about and conceptualising geomatics materials, components, systems or processes.

Demonstrate ability to handle uncertainty and risk.

Perform work within the boundaries of the practice area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Formulate the design problem to satisfy user needs, applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.

Plan and manage the design process to focus on essential issues and recognises and deals with constraints.

Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information and resources to apply appropriate principles and design tools to provide a workable solution.

Perform design tasks including analysis, quantitative modelling and optimisation of the product, system or process subject to the relevant premises, assumptions, constraints and restrictions.

Evaluate alternatives for implementation, and a preferred solution is selected based on techno-economic analysis and judgment.

Assess the chosen design in terms of the social, economic, legal, health, safety, and environmental impact and benefits.

Communicate the design logic and relevant information in a technical report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Plan and conduct investigations and experiments within an appropriate discipline.

Search available literature and critically evaluate material for suitability to the investigation.

Perform analysis is performed as necessary to the investigation.

Select equipment or software and use as appropriate in the inquiry.

Analyse and interpret information derived from available data.

Draw conclusions from an analysis of all available evidence.

Record the purpose, process and outcomes of the investigation in a technical report.

Perform qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Assess the method, skill or tool for applicability and limitations against the required result.

Apply the technique, skill or tool correctly to achieve the required result.

Test and assess effects produced by the method, skill or tool against needed results.

Create, select and use computer applications in the discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

The structure, style and language of written and oral communication are appropriate for the communication and the target audience.

Use appropriate and effective graphics in enhancing the meaning of the text.

Use visual materials to improve oral communications.

Use accepted methods for providing information to others involved in the geomatics activity.

Deliver oral communication fluently with the intended meaning being apparent.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Explain the impact of technology in terms of the benefits and limitations to society.

Analyse the geomatics activity in terms of the impact on implications for occupational and public health and safety.

Analyse the geomatics activity in terms of the effect on the physical environment.

Take into consideration personal, social, economic, cultural values and requirements for those who are affected by the geomatics activity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Explain the principles of planning, organising, leading and controlling.

Carry out individual work effectively, strategically and on time.

Show that contributions to team activities, including at disciplinary boundaries, support the output of the team as a whole.

Demonstrate functioning as a team leader.

Organise and manage a design or research project.

Carry out effective communication in the context of individual and teamwork.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Manage learning tasks autonomously and ethically, individually and in learning groups.

Reflect on learning undertaken and own learning requirements, and determine strategies to suit personal learning style and preferences.

Source, organise and evaluate relevant information.

Comprehend and apply knowledge acquired outside of formal instruction.

Challenge assumptions and embrace new thinking.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

Describe the nature and complexity of ethical dilemmas.

Describe the ethical implications of decisions made.

Apply ethical reasoning to evaluate geomatics solutions.

Maintain continued competence through keeping abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques available in the workplace.

Show an understanding of the system of continuing professional development and embrace it as an on-going process.

Accept responsibility for consequences stemming from own actions.

Make judgments in decision making during problem solving and design.

Limit decision-making to the area of current competence.

Integrated Assessment:
The Bachelor of Geomatics uses types of tests/assignments/projects/case studies as forms of assessment which will be applied:

Continuous Assessment.

Examination.

There is no specific final or year-end examination in modules assessed in a continuous assessment mode. The assessment opportunities completed during the learning process accumulates into a final module mark. The weights or contributions of the assessment opportunities may vary according to needs. There should be not less than four assessment opportunities per semester module and six for a year module. This form of assessment includes a concluding assessment opportunity that integrates the learning in the units of a module. Tests, assignments, papers, projects and other opportunity instruments contribute towards the calculation of the final mark for modules.

Year modules require a minimum of six assessment opportunities. Semester modules require a minimum of four assessment opportunities. Scores obtained in these assessments will be collectively calculated to determine the predicate mark.

Formative assessment will be used to inform learners about their progress continuously throughout the study. Formative assessments use self and peer assessments. Formative assessments will be conducted using theoretical and practical assessment, with the group and individual assignments and projects. The formative assessment strategies will achieve the Exit Level Outcomes.

Summative assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. This type of assessment will be used for promotional purposes and will take the form of theoretical examinations, practical examinations and projects to integrate learning. The design of the qualification is to enable learners to apply their skills in the world of work; thus, assessing the applied competency.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Other institutions offering similar qualifications include the University of New Brunswick (Canada), and Newcastle University in the United Kingdom amongst many institutions in the United States, Europe and Africa. Qualifications in Geomatics, which deal with fundamental spatial data acquisition and manipulation is a scarce and essential skill that assists decision making in any development or earth monitoring system.

The University of New Brunswick offers a Bachelor of Geomatics. The qualification encompasses classroom teaching, supervised practical's, inclusive of work-integrated learning. Modules are similar to Bachelor of Geomatics. The qualification provides entry to a Bachelor's in Land Surveying or a Post Graduate Diploma in Geomatics.

Newcastle University offers a Bachelor of Engineering (Geomatics). The qualification encompasses classroom teaching and supervised practical's. The modules are similar to this qualification.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Geomatics Honours in Engineering Surveying, Level 8.

Bachelor of Geomatics Honours in Geographic Information Science and Technology, Level 8.

Bachelor of Geomatics Honours in Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry, Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Geomatics, Level 9.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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